Photo gallery: At cemetery, tears mix with raindrops as Marine is buried

Friday

Jul 31, 2009 at 12:01 AMJul 31, 2009 at 8:58 PM

Tears and fears, jutted jaws and salutes were the order of the afternoon Friday, July 31, 2009, in Bourne, Mass., as Cape Cod buried one of its own far too soon and honored Marine Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos’ service to the nation. It was a time for precision and solemnity; a time for a horse-drawn casket of gun-metal gray draped in the American flag. A time for prayer.

Paul Gately

Tears and fears, jutted jaws and salutes were the order of the afternoon Friday as Cape Cod buried one of its own far too soon and honored Marine Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos’ service to the nation.

The Greek Orthodox funeral service with Marine Corps and Yarmouth Police Department Color Guards included the “Marine Hymn,” the ever-mournful “Amazing Grace” and “Taps.”
Xiarhos was buried in a bright expanse of green on a gentle rise just before a pine grove. There were rifle volleys. Marine pallbearers expertly folded the flag from the casket and presented it to the corporal’s mother, who received a Marine salute.
It rained before the funeral procession arrived. A steady breeze turned into gusts after the service when young people in and out of uniform kneeled at the casket offering prayers and remembrance; some not wanting to say goodbye.
Bourne Courier